Webop

Where are classes located?

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall
Irene Diamond Education Center
60th Street and Broadway
New York City, NY 10019

Enter on the corner of West 60th street and Broadway, take the JAZZ elevators to the 5th floor. Take a left off the elevator to enter the Irene Diamond Education Center (IDEC). Classes will be held in the Armstrong classroom, which is the second room on your right, past Dizzy’s Club.

What are your covid-19 protocols?

As of May 1, 2022, Jazz at Lincoln Center no longer requires proof of vaccination or booster to enter its facilities. Face masks are not required, but are recommended.

What will my Child do in webop?

Each 45-minute class is led by a WeBop teacher with support from an accompanist playing piano. Classes incorporate both live and recorded music with ritual songs, educational activities, and storytelling. WeBop encourages families to learn about jazz and express themselves through movement, singing, clapping, and playing small percussion instruments. In addition to these activities, professional jazz musicians visit WeBop twice per term to introduce the children to live music and instruments, reinforcing the repertoire and concepts learned in class.

Is Each term different?

Yes, each WeBop term features a different theme. The fall, winter, and spring terms are eight (8) consecutive weeks, and during selected summers, we offer a shortened four (4) week term.

“Jazz Basics” covers fundamental jazz concepts such as swing, tempo, dynamics, scat, solo, call and response, and song form.

“Jazz Heroes” focuses on the lives and music of legendary jazz musicians and composers Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, and more.

“Jazz Styles” explores the varied and diverse sounds of jazz, from New Orleans and Kansas City Swing to Bebop and Latin Jazz.

Do I have to Register for all terms?

No. Each individual term is designed to “stand alone” as an educational experience, and is cumulative within the eight-week session. However, when taken sequentially, the terms provide a cumulative experience and allow children to develop a deeper engagement with jazz over time and through a variety of activities. Join us for one term, or all three!

Can my child join if they have a disability?

Absolutely! All are welcome at WeBop. Please contact our staff to determine if this setting is the right one for you and your child.

Can siblings attend together?

Yes, siblings may attend the same class together if they are within the age limits of the specific class. Each child must have an adult participating with them individually during class. If they are not within the age range of a specific class, families may register the siblings in separate classes.

Can my child join a certain age group if he/she is turning the minimum age after the first few lessons?

Because the WeBop curriculum is specifically designed for the developmental strengths of each age group, children must be of age before the start of each specific class. An exception can be made if the child is turning the minimum age within the first two (2) weeks of class. WeBop classes are carefully designed for the following age ranges:
Hipsters: 8 – 15 months/non-walkers
Scatters: walkers – 23 months
Stompers: 2 – 3.5 years
Gumbo Group: 3.5 – 5 years
Syncopators: 5 – 7 years

What if they are exceptionally gifted?

Please see answer above. We recognize that a number of our participants are exceptionally talented and have had strong exposure to music at an early age. Many have participated in WeBop or other music classes before, and it is this mix of experiences that contributes to the richness of WeBop class, where group interaction is encouraged.

Is webop a drop-off class?

No. WeBop focuses on the adult-child dyad and the relationship that is built while experiencing jazz together. Our classroom activities are designed to incorporate active participation of both adult and child, allowing for a deepened learning experience through children and caregivers, both embodying the concept of the lesson and making music together. Our curriculum is designed to speak to children and adults, introducing both to the lessons of this uniquely American art form, and encouraging families to take what they’ve learned in class and apply it at home. Because of this, we kindly request that adult attendees remain actively engaged alongside their children, and refrain from using cell phones in class. We promise, what’s happening in class is much more exciting, anyway!

How many participants are in each class?

There is a maximum of 10 adult-child dyads registered in all classes, with two additional spots per class for make-up classes. This intimate class size ensures for individual attention from our teachers and affords the opportunity to build a community atmosphere amongst participants.

How many adults may attend class with a participating child?

To ensure we have space for all participants to move around freely, we ask that one (1) adult per child participates in each class. Capacity in our space is limited, but please email webop@jazz.org in advance if you wish to have a second adult observe a class; we can accommodate requests on a case-by-case basis, provided space is available. You may alternate the adult that attends class with the child at any point during the term.

May I BRING ANOTHER CHILD TO CLASS?

All WeBop-age children (8 months – 7 years) must register for the class they attend. If they are of the appropriate age for the class, siblings or friends may register as single class attendees to participate ( with another accompanying adult). If you have a second child that will not be able to join the class, please plan to have a second adult accompany them in our waiting area just outside the WeBop classroom. The WeBop curriculum places a very strong emphasis on the adult-child experience, and having only participating children in the classroom allows each child receive the proper attention in class.